These symptoms can be a result of choroidal metastasis, which is a cancer seeded in the choroid layer of the eye – This begins as cancer in some other part of the body and then is metastasized to the eye.

What is choroidal metastasis (choroidal metastasis eye cancer)?

The choroid is the vascular layer of the eye, containing connective tissue, and lying between the retina and the sclera providing supplies of oxygen and nourishment to the retinal layers. Choroidal metastasis is the spread of malignant tumor cells from other parts of the body into the choroid layer of eye through blood. It is mostly due to spread of lung cancer in man and breast cancer in woman. Sometimes, the patient with eye metastasis may not have been previously diagnosed with any cancer and is later detectedto have cancer in the body.

Choroidal metastasis cancer refers to a malignant tumor that spreads from other parts of the body to the eye. It is painless and most patients have no symptoms, until it grows to a level that it can be discovered. It usually appears as yellowish tumors on the back of the eye. If it is present in the eye or eyelid, it may be visible. If it is present behind the eye ball it will push the ball forward or aside. In other cases when it is inside the eye it is not easily detectable, unless it starts affecting the vision of the patient, making him see flashlights and floating spots.

choroidal metastasis eye cancer Treatments

Treatment of this disease can be given by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy involves administration of chemotherapeutic agents (e.g. paclitaxel and cisplatin) into the body to act against the cancer. The drug has a mechanism of inhibiting growth of the cancer cells (e.g. paclitaxel works by interfering with mitosis). Dosage can be recommended according to the patient’s health; however, some precautions are associated regarding the use of such chemotherapeutic agents.

External beam radiation therapy (the most common form of radiation therapy) is another option for choroidal metastasis cancer therapy. Radiation therapy works by bringing about DNA damage of the cancer cells or producing free radicals that damage DNA of cancer cells so the cells stop dividing. External beam radiation therapy involves exposure of the tumor to a beam or several beams of radiation (high energy X-rays or protons or electrons),generated by line accelerators. The procedure consists of three main parts: simulation (to determine treatment position to be used daily), treatment planning (for cancer assessment and dosage to be given) and treatment delivery (giving dosage). Radiation treatment goes on for several days, while diagnosis is performed along to follow the progress of therapy.

In some advanced cases, the eye may have to be removed via enucleation eye removal surgery.

Recovery after treatment

Recovery from chemotherapy and radiation therapy goes along as the treatment proceeds over days because many doses have to be administered before complete treatment. Recovery time varies from a few days to several months, depending on the size of the tumor and various side-effects of the therapy can be experienced during recovery.

FAQs (Frequently ask question):

How do you know whether you have choroid metastasis?

Most choroidal metastases are symptomless, they are found only by routine eye exam. If the doctor finds a detached retina or swollen optic nerve then you should see anocular oncologist/ Facial Cancer Specialist (expert specially trained in treating eye cancers) familiar with the choroid metastasis and its complications.

What can be the complications of choroidal metastasis?

Metastasis and death are inevitable consequences of choroidal metastasis. Ocular problems associated with this disease include retinal detachment, hemorrhage, Choroidal neovascularization and uveitis.

How can choroidal metastasis be diagnosed?

Various techniques can be utilized for diagnosis of this cancer and include ultrasound, indocyanine green angiography, fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy?

There can be mild skin erythema (skin rash), conjunctivitis and fatigue after treatment with radiation. Some common chemotherapy side-effects are fatigue, hair-loss, anemia, nausea, infections, and effects on sexual and excretory organs

Can metastatic cancer in one eye, spread to other eye?

Yes, since this cancer can be metastasized, it can spread to the other eye, so the patient should get an eye examination every 3-4 months.

What is the cost of Choroidal Metastasis Cancer Treatment?

The increasing incidence of cancer in the population is an alarming trend. Despite early diagnosis and treatment, in some cases, the cancer can metastasise to a secondary location. One such location is the choroidal membrane of the eye. Choroidal metastasis can be treated by a trained oculoplastic surgeon to achieve the best possible outcome.

If you ever find yourself in need of choroidal metastasis treatment, you must surely want to find out that procedure costs. The cost of choroidal metastasis treatment depends upon the size of this tumour and what sort of treatment it requires. Chemotherapy and surgery are some of the available options.

The Esthetic Clinic is a specialised medical centre dedicated to this treating facial, ocular and skin cancers. Our leading surgeon, Dr. Debraj Shome is a highly recommended oculoplastic surgeon who has an excellent surgical success rate treating ocular cancers.

The motive of The Esthetic Clinic is to provide treatment of all kinds of eye cancers and cancers of the face and adjacent parts. Dr. Debraj Shome has studied and specialised in ocular oncology and oculoplasty and hence, achieved expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of various forms of ocular cancer. For diagnosis and therapy of choroidal metastasis cancer, The Esthetic Clinics is the perfect place.

The main motive of The Esthetic Clinic is to provide treatment of all kinds of eye cancers & cancer sof the face and adjacent parts. Dr. Debraj Shome has got education and training in ocular oncology and oculoplasty and hence has got expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of various forms of ocular cancers. For diagnosis and therapy of choroidal metastasis cancer, The Esthetics Clinics are the perfect place.

About Dr. Debraj Shome

Dr. Debraj Shome – Founder, The Esthetic Clinic, is a top facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Shome is currently a Consultant at the best Mumbai hospitals like Saifee Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, Holy Family Hospital & Nova Specialty Hospital in Mumbai, India. He has 40+ research papers in international journals, numerous presentations at conferences & many awards such as “Best Plastic Surgeon in Mumbai”, “Top 10 Cosmetic Surgeon in India”, Best Oculoplastic Surgeon India”, etc. A celebrity plastic surgeon, Dr. Shome believes plastic, reconstructive & cosmetic face surgery can allow you to lead a more fulfilled life …Read more